Jacey from Myrtle Point, OR

02/17/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
2 of 19

Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

SWOCC is great for basketball and soccer players, art majors, and frankly anyone who loves to attend college in a beautiful rural setting. SWOCC is also perfect for anyone planning to transfer to a four year university with one of the many transfer degrees offered here.

Tips for prospective students

SWOCC is a community college, and therefore it's very easy to get accepted into their programs. You should call or visit the First Stop center (located at the entrance to the campus) to inquire about any career or degree questions you may have. The staff is very friendly and willing to answer all your questions.

Bang for the buck

The cost of attendance at SWOCC is very reasonable compared to four year universities. For that reason, it's a very frugal idea to complete a two year transfer degree at SWOCC, and subsequently transfer to your favorite university (which is what i plan to do).

Am enjoying being here

I enjoy the friendly and helpful attitude of the students and faculty here. The location feels very rural, and there is a beautiful lake right on the campus grounds. The weather is very mild all year round, and the dorms are comfortable and clean. Any and all required shopping and eating can be done within walking distance.

Am learning a lot

My first major at SWOCC was Network Administration, and I have to say, this is not a great college for computer related courses. The computer hardware is very outdated and the material is not always current, especially in the more technical courses. However, I have heard some other majors are very high quality at this college, such as sports and art.

William from North Bend, OR

12/04/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
3 of 19

Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

Must be okay with a small school setting. North Bend/ Coos Bay is a very small yet friendly community. Just be able to keep yourself busy and basically you just need to love the outdoors, even if its raining because it rains a lot in the winter here.

Tips for prospective students

Attend your classes regularly and do your work and SOCC will be a breeze for you. If you like your instructors to take an interest in the students then you will like it here. Classes are valuable as long as you are in class. Lots of online opportunity as well.

Bang for the buck

For a community college you can't find any better. Right across the street from Wal-mart so who needs to travel. It is in a small town so you don't have to worry about gas much. Living is relatively cheap and so is the school.

Am enjoying being here

I really enjoy being here but that is to say because I am living at home and I know the town but the campus is open and inviting.

Am learning a lot

I am taking worthwhile classes and with great instructors who care about you as a person and not a paycheck.

Michael from Bandon, OR

Students who are undecidedin major, who are looking for a cost effective way to get general education and core classes taken care of.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure that SOCC has the classes you need to pursue your future 4 year major. Many colleges I'm interested in require pre-major classes not offered at SOCC.

Bang for the buck

The school has an obvious advantage here over universities, being a community college. The cost of classes is very reasonable, and there are a decent amount of classes to choose from.

Am enjoying being here

I would prefer to attend college in a more urban setting. I would like to have the option of exploring more community activities and hobbies, and that is limited by the location of my school.

Am learning a lot

While this college does offer a broad range of classes, it lacks some of the more varied, eccentric, if you will, class choices that exist in universities. It suffers slightly from faculty apathy, in my opinion, and the teachers I've had don't seem to enjoy teaching.

Jasmine from Anchorage, AK

0 out of 1 people found this review useful.
1 person found it offensive.
1 person found this inaccurate.
5 of 19

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

at swocc, there is one patrol car for security with two security guards patrolling at all hours of the day. they are not very good at their jobs and never seem to be in the right place.

Greek Life

there is no greek life.

Clubs and Activities

swocc has very few clubs and activities.

Great for these types of students

swocc is great for student athletes. the school is really geared for molding and shaping athletes in preparation for universities.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

there are no unusual traditions or locations on campus.

Bang for the buck

southwestern oregon community college is definitely not worth the money. you will be paying for a four year college at a two year one if you attend swocc.

What to do for fun

one can do various things for fun, such as: attending sporting events, go to events held at the school, go to the beach, etc. coos bay is a beautiful place, but if you don't have a car, don't expect to get anywhere.

Food and Dining

oregon coast culinary institute provides the food for the cafeteria at swocc. the food is downright disgusting and most of the time, it's cold and has been sitting out for hours.

Dorm Life

the dorm life exists, but because the college is so small, it really feels like high school and everyone is in each other's business. the apartments are spacious and very nice.

Academic Rigor

many of the classes offered at swocc are actually quite rigorous. the teachers are passionate and really care about the students succeeding and moving into the next step of higher education.

Tips for prospective students

if you are looking at southwestern oregon community college, i suggest looking elsewhere, unless you enjoy small and boring. if you are interested in playing sports, however, swocc is the place to go.

In three sentences

southwestern oregon community college is a disappointing college. the sports here are valued more than the education. if i had the last year to do over, i would not have attended swocc.

Blanka from Coos Bay, OR

We have 24 HR security and it is very well organized, they really focus on making saftey a big thing at this college.

Clubs and Activities

there are so many clubs I don't even know where to start. we have dozens upon dozens of clubs, you can even make your own club, and its quite easy too.

Great for these types of students

this school is good for any student i think, they have a little bit of everything, the only thing i would say is if you dont like the rain i wouldnt choose this college it raines 6-7 days a week in fall -spring, sometimes even in the summer.

What to do for fun

Well we have a lake on the college property and you can rent a canoe for i think 3 bucks an HR and its gorgious. you can also go fishing on the lake, they stock it with fish as well... and the RA's and staff put on event a few times a month.

Food and Dining

the cafeteria food isnt bad actually, there are culinary students that work in there, they have pretty decent food when i go with my friends.

Dorm Life

i dont live in dorms but all my friends do and they say the dorms are very new and are nice, but the dormies are who you watch out for, sometimes you get put in a dorm with very dramatic roomies and its not nice.

Academic Rigor

As I said earlier the teachers care about you, you pay for there job, so they should care. We have a great tutoring center with help available almost any time.

Tips for prospective students

Be respectful to everyone, people come from all around the world with a different lifestyle and act and socialize with people differently.

In three sentences

I love Southwestern, it is very beautiful. The teachers in my culinary program are very nice, and help you any time you need it. It also isn't very expensive to get a degree.

Cheryl from Coos Bay, OR

There is perfect campus security, the officers are polite and generally easy going if no one is really disturbed, mostly they just have to tell people to turn their music down at 2 in the morning.

Clubs and Activities

Event planning, Rotaract and Geology are the only ones I really know about because those are the ones I am active in. But there is a club rush, which is a gathering of all the clubs for each term to show students what there is to offer!

Great for these types of students

Everyone! The library is super quiet at all hours if you need a study space, and you can request dorm mates that are also quiet (or also loud!) And everyone here acts like a small community. If you don't want to get to know some awesome people, or you don't like having friends.... This college is not for you.

Bang for the buck

Community college is usually super cheap and you can tell why, but this one is for sure worth it. Culinary masterpieces, some crazy dorm setups, and new people to meet around every corner means you wont worry about eating right or having fun. Classes are fun and engaging, and the professors are just as well trained as any university. Definitely worth the money it takes to go here, seeing as it costs about half of university price.

What to do for fun

Like I said before, every week there is some crazy thing going on, but especially during holiday seasons... I have only missed a couple events, but I am disappointed! Also, the mall is about 2 miles away, and the movie theatre is right there with it.

Food and Dining

The culinary students work in the kitchens, and create amazing dishes that can be vegetarian or gluten free if need be, in fact they always have one or more of each. And they cook for a living, so the quality control is excellent.

Dorm Life

Everyone on campus has the opportunity to do some crazy things. We have played fun games every week since I've been here, and I still have two terms left. Honestly it's the greatest place to start if you're looking for a small town feel with the experience of moving out.

Academic Rigor

Depending on what you want to take, all of the classes are interesting and challenging, but you have to test into the right classes. But if not, that's ok! The administration will help you fix your schedule.

Tips for prospective students

Sign up for housing! You pay a $30 fee at the beginning of each term, but you go bowling, go to plays, ballroom dancing, and all of it is paid for! plus it makes getting to class super easy because everyone is really helpful.

In three sentences

It is a great place to start. The student life is fun and exciting, and the food is excellent! I'm super happy that i saved money and am still attending a great school.

Katelyn from Reedsport, OR

11/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

11 of 19

Categories

Comments

What to do for fun

There are great art classes, sports, a movie theatre, and outdoor activities. Though this is a slow small town and you won't find things like you would in a big city. And you can't always expect things to just fall into your lap, activities and fun here sometimes require you searching.

Food and Dining

When I did eat here it was better than most college cafeterias in my opinion.

Dorm Life

I didn't live in a dorm, I'm a local. But what I saw and heard from friends was good. I liked that the dorms are more like apartments.

Academic Rigor

Obviously this depends on what your major is and the classes you take. I majored in baking and pastry and there for most of my classes were related to that, you get what you put into it and it can be tough and stressful but it's totally worth it. The classes I took outside of baking were a good challenge but not so hard it was unfair.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to ask questions, everyone here is super helpful even if you aren't sure what you want(or who to ask).

In three sentences

A good starter college, SWOCC has classes for most intended majors and good instructors. It won't cost an arm and a leg and the people here are really helpful and friendly. The culinary institute here is amazing and the fact that it's at a community college shouldn't deter you.

Emily from Coos Bay, OR

You are most at risk of a branch falling on you in a wind storm. It is a quiet town and they have a patrol car on campus most of the time.

Greek Life

None

Clubs and Activities

I you live on campus their are lots of scheduled activities. The student government is very involved.

Great for these types of students

Those who want to go to a Four Year program at a big school but can't afford all 4 years.

Bang for the buck

It is cheap but choices are limited and you are forced to take pointless classes to fill 12 credits.

What to do for fun

Not much to do. Coos Bay/North Bend is a small area about 2 hours away from the nearest city. Campus is beautiful but their isn't a ton to do.

Food and Dining

I am a rather picky eater so I don't usually eat on campus but they have great breakfast.

Dorm Life

I don't live in the Dorms but I hear they are nice.

Academic Rigor

SOCC is glorified high school that you pay for. If you want it to be hard then take hard classes. Most of the teachers want their students to succeed and are available to work with students.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure that they have the classes you want before commiting yourself to this school.

In three sentences

A good cheap option for people who can't afford a bigger school. It is set up mostly for students to be able to transfer after two years to a four year school. While it is cheap and good for transfer students it i rather limited in it's class options.

Emily from Coos Bay, OR

07/11/2013

Reviewer is A past student here.

13 of 19

Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

It is a good school for people that don't really know what they want to do yet. Also, it is good for people that want to get their prerequisites done for a more affordable price before moving on to a 4 year school.

Bang for the buck

As a full time student living with my mom I was only paying aprox. $1,500 a trimester. (I had tuition waivers which really cut down on my costs)

What to do for fun

The campus is located on the beautiful Empire Lakes with lots of trails, and canoeing opportunities. There is also four wheeling on the dunes, tide pooling, surfing, and hiking.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria has good food and is decently priced. The daily choices are divers but don't vary much day to day.

Dorm Life

I lived off campus at home to save money but I have heard that the dorms are nice.

Academic Rigor

The classes are not the hardest. The teachers have a you get out what you put in mentality for the most part. If you actually do the work and read the material you will have no problem at all passing with high grades. And the teachers are very good about answering questions etc.

In three sentences

SOCC has small intimate classes, with teachers that are invested in their students success. SOCC's class selection is limited, and scheduling classes around each other and/or other activities is difficult. SOCC is located in a small rather dull coastal town, with lots of outdoor opportunities.

Mariah from Owyhee, NV

The campus security is always on top of things. They handle any sticky situation that gets out of handle. And they are available whenever you need them, just give them a call.

Great for these types of students

Southwestern is great for any student who isn't quite comfortable headed into a university or for students who love the close community feel. Southwestern is diverse and accepts this fact by offering many clubs and activities suitable for anyone.

What to do for fun

There are a lot of events at Southwestern. We have intramural sports, fitness classes, collegiate sports and events, block parties, canoeing, cosmic bowling, movie nights, and other fun things around campus.

Food and Dining

The chefs at Southwestern work very hard to meet all of your nutritious needs and it definitely shows. The food is good and the service is friendly. Although it's really good, you may get tired of being in the cafeteria eating three times a day.

Dorm Life

The dorms are actually apartments with about six people in each one. It's really fun and it has a home feeling to it. If you ever get tired of the cafeteria food there is a stove, fridge, and microwave that is included in your dorm. The closet space and rooms are a nice size and the bathrooms are decent as well.

Academic Rigor

The academic work is definitely challenging and fun. The work itself can be confusing and difficult but the professors help you through every complication. The class sizes are small so you get to know your professor better and understand things more as opposed to a university.

Tips for prospective students

Apply quickly and send in the housing agreement. If you want a single room for yourself the first year, you must get the housing application in quick! Also, have fun but stay on top of your studies!

In three sentences

Southwestern Oregon Community College is an excellent school with an amazing staff. The environment is friendly among all the students and staff. Southwestern is definitely the right choice for anyone student wanting to be in a safe yet fun environment.

Christina (A Gold Beach/Brookings student)

Beach walking Hiking Mountain biking Pretty much any kind of outdoor activity you can think of. Definitely not a school for people who like a lot of night life activites.

Food and Dining

Lots of local restaurants in the Brooking and Gold Beach area, although I can not attest to the dining in Coos Bay, I'm sure it would be wonderful as well.

Dorm Life

I do not live in the dorms.

Academic Rigor

As a first time college student I would say that the classes are definitely college level however some of the instructors are a little lazy, particularly with online learning--so it may feel very easy with some of the assignments.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you get ALL your paperwork in on time--this college is unforgiving when it comes to financial aid paperwork and things like that. Get out and see the area whenever you can. SWOCC is on the beautiful Southern Oregon coast, and as such it has a lot of hiking, mountain biking, and other recreational opportunities available. Taking full advantage of them can really add to your enjoyment. This isn't a school for people who like nightlife/club scene. Coos Bay and Brookings are not large communities and as such small local business and restaurants are the main attractions.

In three sentences

SWOCC is a good school for new college students. The bureaucracy is a little tough to deal with (financial aid isn't distributed until you are well into your first term) however the staff are polite and efficient. Classes are challenging and there is a wide variety of them considering it is a small community college.

Brittan from Coos Bay, OR

10/26/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

17 of 19

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Very safe. Security is always on campus and you can call them for anything.

What to do for fun

RA's here are required to have activates all year round for anyone to be able to do. Sports games are also something on campus to do. The beach is 15 to 20 minutes away for you to be able to explore or relax. There is also dunes ten minutes away if you want to rent a dune buggy or just have some fun.

Food and Dining

They have a culinary institute on campus that makes your cafeteria food. There is always something for you to eat even if you are like me, very picky.

Dorm Life

Very relaxed. If you don't like your roommates within the first of second week you can request a room change. They are very flexible here.

Academic Rigor

I love all my classes especially American Sign Language. My teacher make you love everything you learn. Don't mistake this for a easy class because its hard to acclimate to no talking.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the area first is you have never been to Coos Bay. This made up my mind on whether I should go to the school or not. Be prepared to have everything you need when you move in or plan to buy things from the Wal-Mart across the street.

In three sentences

The atmosphere and scenery is different than other college I had visited. It keeps me both relaxed and focused on my academics. I am very happy I choice Southwestern Oregon Community College to continue my education.

KayLynn from North Bend, OR

With a culinary school right on campus, the three meals a day are some of the best in Oregon, with a low flat rate, if you cant afford to buy groceries of your own, this is second best!

Dorm Life

The dorm rooms are great size with a nice sized shared living space with two couches and two tables, four chairs and a kitchen with a working stove and fridge; with lots of storage for food in the cabinets.

Academic Rigor

They are good about making the test worth less for those who don't do well at them. This makes the homework worth more as long as you finish it in a timely mater its easy to get higher grades.

Tips for prospective students

It's a good idea for you to ask for help when you don't understand something, the teachers are great but they cant read minds and they are always willing to compromise if you miss a day of class with times that they are in a tutoring hall and some times during their free time

In three sentences

The size of this school is wonderful, with lots of trees and wildlife right on campus. The teachers are really wonderful, and class sizes are generally small so there is a lot of one one time with the teachers as well as many tutoring, if you still don't get it. With a superstore walmart right across the street living on campus means never needing a experience taxi drive to get food.

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